Center for Health and Development Selected to Provide Residential Services in Wake of Medfield Hospital Closure

October 10, 2002

Boston - The Center for Health and Development, Inc. (CHD) has added of a new program to the Atlantic Residence program in Weymouth to assist with the relocation of patients from the soon to be closed Medfield State Hospital.

As the focus has shifted from permanent hospitalization to caring for patients on a temporary basis, the need for these facilities has decreased, according to Anna Chinappi, spokeswoman for the Department of Mental Health. "Through the practice of de-institutionalization, the mentally ill are being treated and integrated back into the community," she says.

CHD has been selected by the state to provide residential services to several individuals leaving the hospital, opening a supported residence at their Washington Street facility in Weymouth for individuals who are able to move on to greater independence.

“We have also expanded our services at the Commercial Street site to include services to those diagnosed with both a mental illness and substance abuse issues”, says Joy Gallon, Director of Corporate and Employee Relations at CHD.

The Center for Health and Development, Inc. (CHD), is a Boston-based nonprofit organization established in 1987 to provide mental health services and related supports to un-served and underserved people of color who reside in the city's Roxbury, Mattapan, Dorchester and South End neighborhoods.

Since then, CHD has grown and expanded its base to include additional geographical areas of the Commonwealth, including the cities and towns of Fitchburg, Framingham, Leominster, Quincy, Wakefield, Weymouth, and Winchendon.

For more information contact:

Jacob Sauerbom

E-mail: jsauerborn@centerforhealth.org